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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-20 Planning Board Minutes 73 HARLOW STREET, BANGOR, ME 04401 TELEPHONE: (207) 992-4280 FAX: (207) 945-4447 WWW.BANGORMAINE.GOV PLANNING BOARD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024, 7:00 P.M. PENOBSCOT ROOM, LOWER FLOOR OF PENQUIS CAP 262 HARLOW STREET MEETING MINUTES Board Members Present: Chair Reese Perkins Vice Chair Ted Brush Michael Bazinet Jonathan Boucher Trish Hayes Donald Meagher Janet Sanborn Jonas City Staff Present: Anja Collette, Planning Officer Brian Scannell, Planning Analyst Grace Innis, Assistant Solicitor Chair Perkins called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Annual Training – Legal Assistant City Solicitor Grace Innis presented to the podium to give legal training to Board members. Chair Perkins clarified that Board members cannot abstain from votes unless they have recused themselves due to a conflict of interest. Member Meagher asked about biases that do not relate to protected classes, and whether members can abstain from votes for this reason. Innis clarified that it may not be a valid reason to recuse oneself unless it falls under the formal definition of a conflict of interest. Chair Perkins added that Board members have a duty to not vote based on their potential biases. Alternate Member Jonas asked if there is a statute of limitations on retaining Board-related communications. Innis responded that there is, but it has a wide range depending on the type of communication. Member Meagher noted an experience he had compiling notes taken on his personal cell phone for a FOAA request. Alternate Member Jonas asked if the City could provide email addresses for Board members. Innis responded that she would find out. Member Meagher brought up materials sent to all Board members, and whether these need to be individually provided by each member for a FOAA request. Innis and Chair Perkins confirmed that one copy of these materials is usually sufficient for a FOAA request, as long as individual members confirm that they received it. Page 2 | 3 City of Bangor Planning Division Planning Board Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Member Boucher asked if items can be discussed outside of Board meetings, once they have been voted on. Innis responded that they can only be discussed once the appeals period has ended. Planning Officer Anja Collette confirmed that the appeals period typically ends 30 days after a vote, unless an item is actually appealed, in which case it should not be discussed outside of Board meetings. Alternate Member Jonas asked what would constitute as a site visit. Innis responded that she was not sure; Chair Perkins clarified that members should not purposefully visit a site, even on their own. Also noted that requests for the Board as a whole to visit a site can be made by Board members during their meetings. Member Bazinet commented that it would be helpful for the public to know the regulations surrounding site visits. 2. Workshop on Reducing Parking Minimums Planning Officer Anja Collette presented the agenda item. Member Bazinet asked what would be done in situations in which more parking would be needed. Collette responded that language can be added to allow the Board to require additional parking on a case-by- case basis. Vice Chair Brush asked if there is a target demographic referenced in the Land Development Code. Collette clarified that it is not specifically mentioned but does pertain to some of the specialized types of housing mentioned in the Code; added that she is referencing it here in relation to the target demographics of potential developers. Member Meagher commented that developers should be able to depend on requirements and standards that need to be met, and not have the Board add additional, unforeseen requirements. Discussed this with Collette and Chair Perkins. Member Boucher expressed concern over an increase in street parking. Collette responded that this could be a concern, but there will still be requirements for both on- and off-street parking. Chair Perkins referenced an NPR article that he shared with Board members and staff, and research that he feels supports the efficacy of parking minimum reductions. Alternate Member Jonas commented that this would be helpful in supporting new development. 3. Meeting Minutes – February 6, 2024 Member Bazinet moved to approve the meeting minutes. Vice Chair Brush seconded. All voting members in favor, none opposed. Chair Perkins gave an overview of the MMA training that he attended last week, specifically time restrictions on meetings. Board members discussed options for appropriate limitations on public comments. Perkins also suggested that future elections of Board officers be completed anonymously, and offered recommended Page 3 | 3 City of Bangor Planning Division Planning Board Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, February 20, 2024 method from the MMA training. Added that he will work with Planning Officer Collette on some suggested changes to the by-laws and present them to the Board. Also clarified the difference between the terms “public hearing” and “public comment.” Alternate Member Jonas asked about familial relationships as conflicts of interest, referencing definition presented in the MMA training. Discussed with Board members; Assistant Solicitor Innis confirmed that she will look into this. Meeting adjourned at 8:04 pm. Respectfully submitted, Sarah Maquillan, Development Assistant Planning Division